Food for Thought: Guys get romantic

Tuesday

Weekly Food for Thought with a recipe for Avocada Salsa, how guys can make dinner a romantic experience, "Weeknights with Giada" by Giada De Laurentiis and more.

It's time to banish that old stereotype that the only guys who can cook are professional chefs. It's not too difficult to elevate a simple meal to the level of a gourmet experience. Here are some tips:

- Music, lighting and decor sets the ambiance for a romantic occasion.

- A tablecloth adds a touch of refinement while protecting furniture and easing post-meal cleanup.

- Add a floral centerpiece to do double duty as a decoration and as a gift for her. Light some candles to enhance the mood.

- Use your good dishes and set them on opposite sides of the table. Place knives and spoons to the right of the plate and forks to the left.

- There's a wine to complement whatever meal you decide to serve, For ideas, talk to the wine steward at your local grocer or wine shop. Many stores also suggest recipes to pair with their featured wines.

-- ARA

Tip of the Week: Don’t chill tomatoes

For the best tomato flavor, never refrigerate them. A chilled tomato will not finish ripening because cold halts the ripening process. Cold also kills the flavor of tomatoes, so even when the tomatoes are fully ripe, keep them out of the refrigerator.

Raw roasts, steaks and chops (beef, veal, lamb and pork) should not be in the refrigerator for longer than three to five days. – FoodSafety.gov

Food Quiz

What is the most common name in Canada for the delicious treat of flat fried dough, often topped with cinnamon and sugar?

A. fried duck wing

B. beaver tail

C. flying saucer

D. prairie cake

-- funtrivia.com

Answer is at bottom of column

Wise to the Word: Panko

[PAHN-koh] Bread crumbs used in Japanese cooking for coating fried foods. They're coarser than those normally used in the United States and create a deliciously crunchy crust. Panko is sold in Asian markets.

-- epicurious.com

Number to Know

315: One hot dog with a hot dog bun and ketchup is about 315 calories.

-- calorieking.com

The Dish On …

"Weeknights with Giada: Quick and Simple Recipes to Revamp Dinner" by Giada De Laurentiis

Giada De Laurentiis is one of America’s most-loved culinary stars, adored for her Food Network hit shows and her New York Timesbestselling cookbooks alike, both of which feature her fresh, flavorful Italian recipes. For the first time, Giada tackles weeknight cooking, sharing her favorite tips and go-to dishes—all in her vibrant signature style—to get a delicious meal on the table in a flash.

-- Crown Publishing Group

Food Quiz Answer

B. beaver tail

GateHouse News Service

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